Overview
RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms in most people but can cause serious breathing problems in infants, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems. It circulates seasonally, mainly in colder months in temperate regions. Most healthy people recover at home within a week or two.
Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Reduced appetite
- In infants: fast or difficult breathing, irritability, and poor feeding
Causes & risk factors
- Infection with respiratory syncytial virus
- Breathing in droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze
- Touching contaminated surfaces then the face
- Close contact in households, daycare, or care settings
Treatment & self-care
Most cases are managed at home with rest, fluids, and comfort measures under general guidance. There is no specific antiviral for routine cases; severe cases, especially in infants and older or high-risk adults, may need hospital care for oxygen and fluid support. Preventive options exist for some high-risk groups and should be discussed with a clinician. A licensed clinician should guide care for vulnerable patients.
See a doctor urgently if
- An infant is breathing fast, struggling to breathe, or has bluish lips or skin (emergency)
- There are pauses in breathing in a baby (emergency)
- An infant is feeding poorly or has signs of dehydration
- An older or high-risk adult has worsening shortness of breath or chest tightness (seek prompt care)
- Symptoms worsen instead of improving after several days
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.